Employee Relations Specialist

Smithfield Foods - Sioux Falls, SD

Part-time - Mid Level

Sioux Falls, SD

10,001+ employees

Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods

About the position

The Employee Relations Specialist at Smithfield Foods plays a crucial role in managing employee relations matters across multiple locations. This position is responsible for investigating various employee relations concerns, providing summary reports, and making remediation recommendations. The specialist will identify trends through quarterly reporting to inform targeted training programs. The role supports initiatives aimed at driving consistency in HR policies and best practices, ensuring a productive workforce that aligns with both the organization's business goals and the personal needs of employees. In this position, the Employee Relations Specialist leads the investigation process, ensuring that all investigations are conducted according to standard procedures and that documentation is thorough and complete. The specialist will provide coaching and guidance to HR professionals on conducting investigations and responding appropriately to employee concerns. For escalated cases, the specialist will interview witnesses, review relevant evidence such as camera footage, prepare witness statements, and research past practices to prepare comprehensive case summaries and recommendations for resolution. The role also involves maintaining accurate and confidential records of investigations, partnering with legal teams when necessary, and ensuring that all HR professionals in the region conduct effective and objective investigations. The specialist will work closely with site leaders to communicate and administer policies consistently, recommend educational solutions to enhance awareness of the Code of Conduct, and track investigations to ensure proper execution. Additionally, the specialist will analyze employee relations trends and provide actionable feedback to HR teams and operations partners, facilitating prompt and effective resolution of workplace conflicts.

Responsibilities

• Investigate employee relations concerns including harassment, discrimination, wage/hours, and retaliation.
• Provide coaching, training, and counseling on conducting investigations and documenting processes.
• Ensure HR professionals conduct effective and objective investigations and recommend resolutions to employee complaints.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of investigations.
• Partner with legal in conducting investigations and making recommendations for corrective action.
• Work closely with site leaders to ensure policies are understood and consistently administered.
• Recommend educational solutions to improve awareness of the Code of Conduct and employee relations matters.
• Track investigations and employee relations matters in the region.
• Analyze employee relations trends and provide feedback to HR and operations partners.
• Prepare for and attend mediations, arbitrations, and court proceedings as needed.
• Assist with best practices content for leadership discussions and employee relations action plans.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in HR or a related field and 2+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 1 year in a professional level role managing a process or area.
• Demonstrated understanding of handling investigations and maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Strong communication and administrative skills.
• Strong problem-solving, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work well with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Nice-to-haves

• Bi-lingual ability to read, write and communicate in Spanish, French, Burmese, or Vietnamese.

Benefits

• Competitive Pay
• Annual Bonus Earning Potential
• Comprehensive Health Insurance
• Retirement Benefits
• Education benefit available from the first day of employment
• Opportunities for career growth and professional development
• Tuition assistance